Reynolds

The Project Gutenberg eBook, Reynolds, by S. L. (Samuel Levy) Bensusan
MASTERPIECES IN COLOUR EDITED BY . . T. LEMAN HARE
REYNOLDS
1723-1792
In the Same Series
Others in Preparation.
PLATE I.—MRS. HOARE AND CHILD. In the Wallace Collection, London. (Frontispiece)
This picture is perhaps one of Sir Joshua Reynolds’ most beautiful compositions. The flesh painting is very fine and the handling of the dress remarkably free, its delicate colouring being in beautiful harmony with the surroundings. The painter gave us a portrait of the same child when he was a boy; it is now in the collection of Baron Albert de Rothschild. Sir Joshua made for this picture a sketch in oils which hangs in the Gallery at Bridgewater House.
LONDON: T. C. & E. C. JACK NEW YORK: FREDERICK A. STOKES CO.


There are certain men born to every generation who approach life with the complete assurance of distinction in any work that they may have chosen for the exercise of their gifts. They are strangers to doubt and uncertainty; they disarm Fortune by claiming freely as a right what she is accustomed to grant grudgingly as a favour— they ride Life’s lists as a knight might ride.” One feels that these fortunate few are destined for success just as the majority are doomed to failure, that nothing save a long series of mishaps can keep them from the goal of their ambition. They have the temperament that makes achievement easy, and a steadfast determination that the demons of mischance cannot resist for long.